Cardiovascular

Hypertension

A condition characterized by consistently elevated blood pressure, which can lead to serious health complications such as myocardial infarction and stroke.

ACE Inhibitors (-pril)

Medications that inhibit the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to decreased vasoconstriction and aldosterone levels.

ARBs (-sartan)

Angiotensin II receptor blockers, which prevent angiotensin II from binding to its receptor, helping to lower blood pressure.

Calcium Channel Blockers (-dipine)

Drugs that block calcium influx in vascular smooth muscle, promoting vasodilation and lowering blood pressure.

Thiazide Diuretics (-thiazide)

Medications that inhibit sodium and chloride reabsorption in the distal tubule of the kidney, resulting in mild diuresis and reduced blood pressure.

Goal of Therapy in Hypertension

To reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular risk, and to prevent complications such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure.

First-line medications for Hypertension

ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, and thiazide diuretics.

Common ADRs for ACE Inhibitors

May include dry cough, hyperkalemia, and hypotension.

Common ADRs for ARBs

Hyperkalemia with no cough.

Counseling Point for ACE Inhibitors

Patients should report a persistent cough and should avoid potassium supplements.

Rate Control in Atrial Fibrillation

The primary goal of therapy is to control the ventricular rate and prevent symptoms or complications.

Beta Blockers (-olol)

First-line medications for controlling heart rate in atrial fibrillation by blocking β₁ receptors.

Indications for Digoxin

Used in sedentary or heart failure patients for rate control when first-line medications are inadequate.

Common ADRs for Amiodarone

Includes photosensitivity and potential long-term toxicity effects on the thyroid, liver, and lungs.

Contraindications for Beta Blockers

Include asthma, severe bradycardia, and heart block.

Suffixed implications in Hypertension Therapy

-pril for ACE Inhibitors, -sartan for ARBs, -dipine for Calcium Channel Blockers, and -thiazide for Thiazide Diuretics.